What have I learned from teaching??

Growing up learning Bharatanatyam, I was always taught by the “older” girls. They were a constant source of encouragement, and motivation to do better. Just the fact that someone older was giving me that much attention pushed me to try harder, to delve myself into one of the most culturally complex and deep art forms of Ancient India. Now, as one of those “older” girls, it absolutely feels different from the outside looking in. While I am not the perfect teacher, nor will I ever be, there are many things I have learned from introducing one of the most important art forms and factors of my culture into the lives of young children. I have realized

1.       A love for culture is often learned, not inherent:

a.       Many of the children are forced to be in the class, and start their dance careers with a sense of obligation, rather than want. By introducing Dance to them in a manner which appeals to their excitement, a sense of culture can easily be fostered in the children.

2.       The value of patience:

a.       When working with children, especially between the ages of 5 – 7, it is important to remember that their attention span is VERY arbitrary, and that one should not expect full attention ever. By taking a deep breath and continuing with the lesson – while attempting to make it interesting enough for young children by incorporating games and songs (something that lightens the heavy onslaught of the culture within the dance form) one can push through. The patience I have learned from being a teacher has definitely been applied in other aspects of my life – I have gained a new respect for teachers around me, and I am able to complete work with more efficiency as I drown out distractions.

3.       Someone is always watching:

a.       I remember as a child, I would always watch the older girls and follow exactly what they were doing. Now, as that role model, I attempt to carry myself in a manner similar to what I observed so long ago. I constantly hope and wish that I am making as much of an impact on the lives of the young children as those who taught me had on me.